How to Craft Your Essay for the Kathleen Lehman Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material across these four categories:

• Background: Reflect on your personal experiences that shaped your awareness of special needs advocacy. Consider family experiences, volunteer work, or academic pursuits.
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments related to advocacy or education. Include metrics, leadership roles, or specific projects that demonstrate your impact.
• The Gap: Identify any gaps in your experience or knowledge that further education will address. Be honest about what you hope to gain from the scholarship.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and motivations. Use anecdotes that illustrate your character and commitment to advocacy.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay to guide the reader through your narrative. A clear outline can help you stay focused:

1. Introduction: Start with an engaging moment or story that reflects your connection to special needs advocacy.
2. Background: Share your experiences and insights that led you to this point.
3. Achievements: Highlight your relevant accomplishments and their impact.
4. The Gap: Discuss what you aim to learn and how it connects to your advocacy goals.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and express your commitment to making a difference.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting, use an active voice and specific language. Avoid clichés and general statements. Instead of saying you are “passionate about advocacy,” provide a concrete example that shows your dedication. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, ensuring clarity and flow.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take time to revise. Ask yourself: “So what?” for each section. What insights have you gained? How do your experiences contribute to your future goals? Ensure that your essay not only tells your story but also demonstrates why you are a strong candidate for the scholarship.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes:

• Avoid vague language and empty superlatives that lack evidence.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your actions and contributions.
• Do not fabricate experiences or achievements; authenticity is key.